Connecting structures in a modular construction kit

ABSTRACT

A modular construction kit includes modular construction blocks, each includes at least one interface face. The interface face includes a recess, a plurality of connection apertures disposed proximate to the edge of the recess, and a circular interface receptacle disposed in the center of the recess. The kit also includes modular construction connectors, each includes two opposite sides, wherein each side including a body, a plurality of connection studs extending outwardly from the body, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the body. Some modular construction blocks include predetermined functions. A modular system block includes at least a processor, storage, and wireless communication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/160,928, filed May 20, 2016, which claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/164,494, filed May 20,2015, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The claimed invention relates to construction kits and educational toys,and more particularly to modular construction kits with electrical andprogrammable components.

BACKGROUND

Currently available educational robotic construction kits includenumerous modules (or pieces), where the modules may have integratedelectrical and data links with other modules. By connecting the modulestogether, people may construct toy robots and program them usingspecific software. However, these modules are of different forms andshapes, and are often complicated to learn and to construct. Manymodules are also small and may be hazardous to younger children. Thecurrently available educational robotic construction kits are thusgeared more towards high school or college level students.

The modular elements of the construction kits usually have specificfunctions and therefore limit the functionality of robots and otherassembled constructions. In addition, current modules in roboticconstruction kits are normally put together utilizing complex andunreliable magnetic or mechanical connectors.

It is therefore desirable to provide a modular robotics constructionkit, with electrical and programmable components, that is simple tolearn and construct, and that provides advantages heretofore unknown inthe art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are embodiments of a modular construction kit. A modularconstruction kit includes modular construction blocks, each includes atleast one interface face. The interface face includes a recess, aplurality of connection apertures disposed proximate to the edge of therecess, and a circular interface receptacle disposed in the center ofthe recess. The kit also includes modular construction connectors, eachincludes two opposite sides, wherein each side including a body, aplurality of connection studs extending outwardly from the body, and aprotrusion extending outwardly from the body. Some modular constructionblocks include predetermined functions. A modular system block includesat least a processor, storage, and wireless communication.

In some embodiments, a programming user interface is provided to createa program that may be uploaded to a construction of a modularconstruction kit and that may cause the modular construction kit tooperate autonomously.

In some embodiments, a user-definable control user interface providesinterfaces for a user to control a construction of the modularconstruction kit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the bestmode embodiments of the present invention. In such drawing(s):

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular cube according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of two cubes and a connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a connector according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of two cubes and a connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of three cubes and two connectorsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cube and a wire connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of a cube and a wireconnector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a system cube according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a motor cube according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a motor cube and an externalwheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of a motor cube and anexternal wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a servomotor cube according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a robot head cube according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a servomotor cube and a robothead cube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of a servomotor cube and arobot head cube according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a cube and an external buttonaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates another perspective view of a cube and an externalbutton according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a sensor cube according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a cube and an LED add-onaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates another perspective view of a cube and an LED add-onaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20A to 20H illustrate exemplary special cubes according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a cube and an external wheelassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates another perspective view of a cube and an externalwheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a cube and an extensionconnector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates another perspective view of a cube and an extensionconnector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25-41 illustrate a programming user interface (UI) for a modularconstruction kit according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIGS. 42-52 illustrate a user-definable control user interface (UI) fora modular construction kit according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The below described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatusand its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best modeembodiment, which is further defined in detail in the followingdescription. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodimentillustrated. All features, elements, components, functions, and stepsdescribed with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended tobe freely combinable and substitutable with those from any otherembodiment unless otherwise stated. Those having ordinary skill in theart may be able to make alterations and modifications to what isdescribed herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore,it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only forthe purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on thescope of the present invention and its method of use.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements areidentified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc.,” and“or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unlessotherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including,but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwisenoted.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entitiesmay refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values,and the like.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-24 illustrate exemplary embodiments ofa modular construction kit 100. Generally, the modular construction kit100 includes modular blocks (or cubes). At least one face (or side) orthe cube may be connected to another cube. One or more other faces mayinclude one or more elements that provide one or more specificfunctions. These functions may include, for example, a light emittingdiode (LED) display, an e-ink display, an infrared sensor, a laserpointer, a light sensor, a meteorology sensor, a camera, a motor orservomotor with or without external shafts or studs for attaching aconstruction element, and so on. The modular construction kit 100 mayalso include special cubes that provide one or more specific functionswithout requiring a different, or special face. Some cubes may include amain processor, storage, a wireless communication module, and the like.The modular construction kit 100 may further include constructionelements such as connectors, wheels, adapters for third-party kit, andthe like. These and other elements of the modular construction kit 100will be described in more detail herein.

It should be noted that although the exemplary embodiments of somemodular blocks of the modular construction kit 100 may be in the shapeof a cube, the blocks may also be in another shape. Therefore, althoughthe description herein refers to cubes, it should be understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art that the blocks may be in anothershape.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amodular cube 10 of the modular construction kit 100. In someembodiments, the cube 10 may resemble a square cube, having croppededges and corners. Although illustrated with three identical faces 11, acube 10 may only have one connection face 11. A cube 10 may also haveall identical faces 11. The connection face 11 may include a recess 15disposed in the center of interface face 11. The recess 15 may includeeight circular connection apertures 12 disposed proximate to the edge ofthe recess 15, with two connection apertures 12 disposed at each side ofthe four sides of the recess 15. The connection apertures 12 are sizedto receive tubular (or cylindrical) connection studs 52 of the connector50, which will be described in more detail herein. The connection studs52 may fit into the connection apertures without leaving a gap. Therecess 15 may also include a inwardly concave circular interfacereceptacle 14 disposed in the center of the recess 15. The centerinterface receptacle 14 is sized to receive a protrusion 54 of aconnector 50 which will be described in more detail in FIG. 2. Theprotrusion 54 may fit into the center interface receptacle 14 withoutleaving a gap. The interface receptacle 14 may include a plurality ofdisjoint circular concentric connection interfaces. The circularconnection interfaces provide interfaces at least for, for example,communication data, communication clock, power supply, power supplyground, and positioning and orientation detection. The circularpositioning and orientation detection interface may be divided into foursegments to allow for the detection of a rotation of a cube, forexample, another cube 10, connected to the cube 10. The positioning andorientation detection interface may also detect which cube, or cubetype, is being connected to the cube 10 at the connection face 11. Whenthe cube 10 has more than one connection face 11, and each connectionface 11 has a cube connected thereto, the positioning and orientationdetection interface at each connection face 11 may detect which cube, orcube type, is being connected. As a result, the current configuration orconstruction of the modular construction kit 100 is known. The currentconfiguration may be communicated to an external application as will bedescribed in more detail herein.

Although the connection apertures 12 are described as being circular, insome embodiments, they may be in another shape. In these embodiments,the connection studs 52 may also be in the corresponding shape so as tofit into the connection apertures 12.

The cube 10 may include electrical and/or electronic elements (notshown) disposed inside the cube 10. For example, the cube 10 may includea printed circuit board (PCB) which includes connection to the pluralityof circular connection interfaces of the interface receptacle 14. Whenthe cube 10 has more than one connection face 11, the PCB providesconnection to and among the plurality of circular connection interfacesof each interface receptacle 14 of each connection face 11. As a result,when two or more cubes 10 are connected, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3, connectivity between and among the cubes are provided. In someembodiments, a face or side PCB is provided for each connection face 11.In these embodiments, the face PCBs are connected, for example, to amain PCB, to provide connectivity between and among the connection faces11 of the cube 10. The face or side PCB may be disposed adjacent to theinside of the face of the cube 10, and may be in a circular shape.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a perspective viewof two cubes 10 and a connector 50 of the modular construction kit 100.Two cubes 10 may be connected together using a connector 50. Theconnector 50 may include a flat body 51 on each side of the connector50, four tubular (or cylindrical) connection studs 52 extendingoutwardly from the flat body 51, and a circular protrusion 54 extendingoutwardly from the flat body 51 on each side of the connector 50. One ormore spring-loaded interface pins 56 may be disposed on the protrusion54. The connector 50 may include a printed circuit board (not shown)disposed inside the connector 50, in between the two opposite flatbodies 51. The printed circuit board (PCB) provides connections to thespring-loaded pins 56 on each side of the connector 50. As a result, thePCB provides connectivity between each corresponding pin 56 on eachopposite protrusion 54 of the connector 50.

When the connector 50 is used to couple two cubes together, theconnection studs 52 on opposite side of the connector 50 are insertedinto the connection apertures 12 of each cube. When the connection studs52 are fully inserted into the connection apertures 12, as illustratedin FIG. 3, the protrusion 54 are fitted into the center interfacereceptacle 14 on the respective face 11 of each cube. Each interface pin56 on each protrusion 54 is coupled to, and provides a connection to acorresponding circular connection interface of the interface receptacle14. As a result, connectivity, for example, power and communication,between the two cubes are provided through the pins 56 and thecorresponding connection interfaces of the interface receptacle 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, using a plurality of connectors 50, aplurality of cubes may be connected into different configurations orconstructions.

As described herein, the connector 50 may also be used to connectdifferent types of cubes of the modular construction kit 100. Each typeof cube of the modular construction kit 100 may include at least oneconnection face 11 used for connecting with a connector 50. As a result,connectivity, for example, power and communication, between differenttypes of cubes may be provided using the connector 50. Connectivitybetween cube components may follow standards and protocols known in theart, for example, I2C protocol.

In some embodiments, the interface receptacle 14 includes five circularconnection interfaces, and the protrusion 54 includes five correspondingpins 56. The five connection interfaces include interfaces forcommunication data, communication clock, power supply, power supplyground, and positioning and orientation detection. More or lessconnection interfaces and corresponding pins are also contemplated.

Referring back to FIG. 2A, an exemplary embodiment of a connector 50 ofthe modular construction kit 100 is illustrated. In some embodiments,the connection stud 52 may include a flange 55 at the distal end awayfrom the flat body 51 of the connector 50. The flange 55 operates tocatch on to the inside edge of the corresponding connection aperture 12when the connection stud 52 is inserted into the connection aperture 12.The stud 52 may also include two or more slits 57 parallel to the axisof the connection stud 52, beginning at the distal end of the stud 52.The slits 57 operate to allow the connection stud 52 to be flexible, forexample, the distal end of the stud 52 may be squeezed together duringthe insertion of the stud 52 into a connection aperture 12. In someembodiments, the connection stud 52 may also include a plurality ofprotrusions (not shown) disposed on the outside surface of theconnection stud 52. The protrusions may provide better friction betweenthe stud 52 and the wall of the connection aperture 12. It is noted thatalthough the exemplary connector 50 includes fours studs 52, theconnector 50 may include less than or more than four studs.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary embodiment of a wire connector60 of the modular construction kit 100 is illustrated. As with theconnector 50, the wire connector 60 may be used to connect two cubes ofthe modular construction kit 100, where each cube has at least oneconnection face 11. In some embodiments, the wire connector 60 mayinclude to opposite end connectors 61 and 62. The end connectors 61 and62 may be coupled together by connection wire 68. The end connectors 61and 62 include elements similar to those of connector 50 as describedherein. For example, each end connector 61 and 62 may include fourconnection studs 63 which are similar to connection studs 52 ofconnector 50. However, each end connector 61 and 62 may include only oneoutward facing protrusion 64 which is similar to protrusion 54 ofconnector 50, having spring-loaded pins 67. As with protrusion 54, whenthe connection studs 63 are fully inserted into the connection apertures12 of a cube, the protrusion 64 are fitted into the center interfacereceptacle 14 on the respective connection face 11 of that cube. Eachend connector 61 and 62 may include an inward facing bridge 65 whichconnects to the connection wire 68. The end connectors 61 and 62 mayalso include internal PCB which provides connectivity between the pins67 and the connection wire 68.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may includespecial cubes, for example, cubes that provide switch (e.g., on/offbutton), speaker, battery, storage, processor, wireless communications,light emitting diode (LED) display, e-ink display, infrared sensor,infrared blaster and receiver, ultrasonic sensor, laser pointer, lightsensor, meteorology sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor,pressure sensor, camera, microphone, motor or servomotor with or withoutexternal shafts or studs for attaching a construction element, linefollowing, fingerprint sensor and reader, GPS, and so on. The modularconstruction kit 100 may include construction elements such as wheels invarious types and sizes, gripper, and so on. Some of the exemplaryspecial cubes are illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 24.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of asystem cube 70. In some embodiments of the modular construction kit 100,the system cube 70 may resemble a rectangular cube, having cropped edgesand corners. The system cube 70 may include at least one connection face11 similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. The system cube 70 mayalso include at least one connection face 72. In some embodiments, theconnection face 72 may have at least three interfaces 74 which aresimilar to the center interface receptacle 14 of the cube 10. The systemcube 70 may have a PCB (not shown) positioned inside the system cube 70to provide connectivity to the plurality of circular concentricconnection interfaces of the interfaces 74. In some embodiments, thesystem cube 70 may include at least a processor, speaker(s), battery,storage, wireless communication elements, and an accelerometer. Thesystem cube 70 may also include at least one universal serial bus (USB)or micro USB port, or other connector, suitable for connection with anexternal device. Wireless communication supported by the system cube 70may include WiFi, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF), or any suitablewireless communication technology known in the art. The storage maystore system and application software as described herein. The systemcube may also include a power connection port, a battery charging port,an on/off switch, and so on.

The processor executes the system and application software, and maycontrol the functions, operations, and movements of the modularconstruction kit 100, by communicating with and controlling the variouscubes present in the configuration or construction. For example, theprocessor may control the movement of a motor cube or a servomotor cube,an LED matrix of an LED cube, and so on.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amotor cube 80 of the modular construction kit 100. In some embodiments,the motor cube 80 may resemble a square cube, having cropped edges andcorners. The motor cube 80 may include at least one connection face 11similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. The motor cube 80 mayinclude a wheel 82 rotatably attached to a face of the motor cube 80.The wheel 82 may include eight connection studs 52 similar to connectionstuds 52 of the connector 50. The connection studs 52 may be used toattach an external wheel 84 to the motor cube 80, as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10. The connection studs 52 of the wheel 82 may be insertedinto connection apertures 86 of the external wheel 84. In someembodiments, the motor cube 80 includes a motor (not shown), forexample, a DC motor known in the art, disposed internal to the motorcube 80. As described herein, the motor of the motor cube 80 may becontrolled by a system cube 70 when both are part of a configuration orconstruction of the modular construction kit 100. For example, the motormay start or stop rotating the wheel 82 clockwise or counterclockwise,at different speeds. As a result, an external wheel 84 attached to thewheel 82 will be correspondingly rotated. The wheel 82 may also beattached to another cube of the modular construction kit 100. Althoughillustrated with eight connections studs 52, the wheel 82 may includeless than eight connection studs 52.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aservomotor cube 88 of the modular construction kit 100. In someembodiments, the servomotor cube 88 may resemble a square cube, havingcropped edges and corners. The servomotor cube 88 may include at leastone connection face 11 similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. Theservomotor cube 80 may include a wheel 90 rotatably attached to a faceof the servomotor cube 88. The wheel 90 may include eight connectionstuds 52 similar to connection studs 52 of the connector 50. Theconnection studs 52 may be used to connect another cube of the modularconstruction kit 100 to the servomotor cube 88, as illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14. The wheel 90 may include a protrusion 92 similar to theprotrusion 54 of the connector 50. As with the protrusion 54, theprotrusion 92 may include one or more spring-loaded pins disposed on theprotrusion 92 for receiving and sending signals from the connected cube.In some embodiments, the servomotor cube 88 includes a servomotor (notshown), for example, a servomotor known in the art, disposed internal tothe servomotor cube 88. As described herein, the servomotor of theservomotor cube 88 may be controlled by a system cube 70 when both arepart of a configuration or construction of the modular construction kit100. For example, the servomotor may start or stop rotating the wheel 90clockwise or counterclockwise, at different speeds and distances. As aresult, a cube connected to the wheel 90 will be correspondinglyrotated.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of arobot head cube 93 of the modular construction kit 100. In someembodiments, the robot head cube 93 may resemble a square cube, havingcropped edges and corners. The robot head cube 93 may include at leastone connection face 11 similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. Insome embodiments, the robot head cube 93 may include a speaker and/or amicrophone and/or ultrasonic distance sensor. In an exemplaryconfiguration as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a robot head cube 93may be connected to a servomotor cube 88. In this configuration, theservomotor cube 88 may be controlled, for example, by a system cube 70,to rotate the robot head cube 93.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof a button 94 of the modular construction kit 100. The button 94 may beused to send an on/off signal to, for example. a system cube 70. Thebutton 94 may include two or more connection studs 52 similar to theconnection studs 52 of the connector 50, for connecting the button 94 toa connection face 11 of a cube of the modular construction kit 100. Thebutton 94 may include a protrusion and spring-loaded pins (not shown)similar to the protrusion 54 of the connector 50.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of asensor cube 95 of the modular construction kit 100. In some embodiments,the sensor cube 95 may resemble a square cube, having cropped edges andcorners. The sensor cube 95 may include at least one connection face 11similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. The sensor cube 95 mayinclude one or more sensors disposed on a face, or inside, of the sensorcube 95. The sensor cube 95 may be used to detect a condition itsvicinity and send a signal to, for example, a system cube 70. Forexample, the sensor cube 95 may include a light sensor disposed on aface of the sensor cube 95. The light sensor may be used to detectenvironmental light in its vicinity and send a signal to a system cube70. Sensor cubes may include design elements specific for theirparticular features. For example, a meteorology cube may include holeson one side.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof an external LED add-on 96 of the modular construction kit 100. TheLED add-on 96 may include two or more connection studs 52 similar to theconnection studs 52 of the connector 50, for connecting the LED add-on96 to a connection face 11 of a cube of the modular construction kit100. The LED add-on 96 may include a protrusion and spring-loaded pins(not shown) similar to the protrusion 54 of the connector 50. Otheradd-on elements are also contemplated.

FIGS. 20(A-) illustrates exemplary embodiments of some special cubes ofthe modular construction kits 100. Each special cube may include designelements specific for its particular feature. FIG. 20A illustrates aperspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a meteorology cube 97 ofthe modular construction kit 100. In some embodiments, the meteorologycube 97 may resemble a square cube, having cropped edges and corners.The meteorology cube 97 may include at least one connection face 11similar to connection face 11 of the cube 10. The meteorology cube 97may include one or more meteorology sensors or readers disposed on aface, or inside, of the meteorology cube 97. The meteorology cube 97 maybe used to detect one or more conditions, for example, humidity,pressure, and temperature, its vicinity and send and receive one or moresignals to, for example, a system cube 70.

FIG. 20B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amotion trigger cube of the modular construction kit 100. FIG. 20Cillustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a batterycube of the modular construction kit 100. FIGS. 20D and 20E illustrateperspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a camera cube of themodular construction kit 100. FIG. 20F illustrates a perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of an IR blaster and receiver cube of themodular construction kit 100. FIG. 20G illustrates a perspective view ofan exemplary embodiment of an LED array cube of the modular constructionkit 100. FIG. 20H illustrates a perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a line following cube of the modular construction kit 100.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof an external wheel assembly 98 of the modular construction kit 100.The wheel assembly 98 may include two or more connection studs 52similar to the connection studs 52 of the connector 50, for connectingthe wheel assembly 98 to a connection face 11 of a cube of the modularconstruction kit 100.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodimentof an extension connector 99. The extension connector 99 allows a cubeof the modular construction kit 100 to couple to a third-party block110, for example, a Lego block. In some embodiments, one side of theextension connector 99 includes two or more connection studs 52 similarto connection studs 52 of connector 50, for connecting the extensionconnector 99 to a connection face 11 of a cube of the modularconstruction kit 100. The opposite side of the extension connector 99includes protrusions compatible with the third-party blocks 110.

In some exemplary operations, various cubes and external elements of themodular construction kit 100 may be connected to create a configurationsuch as a robot. For example, servomotor cubes and gripper cubes may bebuilt together to make a robotic arm, crane, leg, or any roboticmanipulator. Various robotic configurations may be built with servomotorcubes, for example, to move joints in different configurations. A robotmay be built with the modular construction kit 100 to bipedal. A robotmay be built in a car configuration, or into a crane configuration.These are only a few examples of configurations that may be built withthe modular construction kit 100.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may include swarmalgorithm, or swarm intelligence. In these embodiments, a constructioncreated using the cubes of the modular construction kit 100 maycommunicate and coordinate with one or more other constructions of themodular construction kit 100. These constructions may be in the samevicinity and may communicate and coordinate, for example, to achieveshared goals.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may includeSimultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Autonomous algorithms.Using sensor cubes such as camera and/or ultrasonic module combined withencoder values, the modular construction kit 100 may generate virtualmaps of the location of a construction.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may include motorencoders to obtain a relative position estimation. The encoders may beused to sense and send distance, velocity, and acceleration commands. Inthese embodiments, autonomous algorithms may be generated, and aconstruction may operate autonomously.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may includeposition estimations using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Triangulation or GPS. Themodular construction kit 100 may use wide angle IR LED proximity sensorto sense objects near a construction.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may use lightsensor to detect gradients in light. As a result, the modularconstruction kit 100 may provide line following robot applications,night/day modes, light following, and so on.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may include facialdetection, for example, using a camera and facial recognition software.The modular construction kit 100 may use the fingerprint sensor forauthentication, for example, to authenticate an operator of aconstruction.

In some embodiments, a construction may respond to a user's device. Forexample, a construction may wake up out of sleep mode when the user'stablet or phone closes.

As described herein, the modular construction kit 100 may provideprogrammable functions and features. In some embodiments, applicationsoftware may be uploaded to the system cube 70. The application maycause a construction of the modular construction kit 100 to operateautonomously, for example, without being controlled and/or operated byan operator. Alternatively or additionally, the application maycommunicate, for example, wirelessly, with an external device, tooperate a construction of the modular construction kit 100. The externaldevice may include wireless devices such as an iPad, a tablet, a laptop,a smart phone, or any wireless device having communication capability(e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or RF). The modular construction kit 100 may becontrolled and operated within a local WiFi network, or from across theInternet, at a remote location. The modular construction kit 100 mayretrieve remote data, for example, weather, news, data from theInternet, and so on. The wireless communication capability may alsoallow the modular construction kit 100 to operate as an Internet ofThings device.

In some exemplary operations, the modular construction kit 100 may beprogrammed or controlled to, for example, detect and avoid an obstacle,solve a maze, detect room temperature, make a sound when light in roomis detected or presence of a person is detected, react to a sound, hidefrom or follow source of light, make decisions based on the presence ofa magnetic field, and so on. The modular construction kit 100 may beprogrammed to monitor the states of rooms (e.g., CO2 detection), objects(e.g., burglary), or weather and send visual, or digital notificationsto a user. The modular construction kit 100 may be used as a securitydevice, for example, as a finger print scanner or voice command to enterrooms, homes, or secure boxes. The modular construction kit 100 mayfunction as a controller for many different hardware projects, forexample, as garage door operator or in other home automation projects. Aplurality of constructions may form their own Wi-Fi Mesh network, forexample, when one construction includes a primary connection to a Wi-Finetwork, and the others can communicate between themselves to relaysend/receive requests to and from the primary construction connected tothe Internet.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may includeapplication program interfaces (APIs) to interface with externalsoftware application. The modular construction kit 100 may alsocommunicate with a simulation program.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 includes ascripting language and a programming user interface (UI) for programmingthe operations, functions, movements, and the like, of the variouscubes. The scripting language may be designed to educate small childrenin robotics and logical thinking while being a fun sandbox environmentto play in, for example, as in a game. Using the UI, a user can create aprogram which may then be uploaded to a construction, for example, arobot, constructed with one or more cubes of the modular constructionkit 100. The program created with the scripting language may executeusing best effort, even when the logic of the program is flaw orcontradictory. The program thus may forgive mistakes and rewardachievements, allowing the user to see results and learn. In someembodiments, it may be possible to create random programs, the modularconstruction kit 100 can still cause the construction to function.

FIGS. 25-41 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a programming UI 200of the modular construction kit 100. As described herein, theprogramming UI may be provided at a wireless device, for example, atablet, a laptop, a smart phone, or any wireless device havingcommunication capability (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or RF). The programmingUI may include a Start UI 210, as illustrated in FIG. 25, where the usermay begin creating an application program. The Start UI 210 may includea Start bubble 212 and a blank field or bubble 214. Each blank bubble214 represents a logical step wherein the user can insert an availablecommand (which may also be referred to herein as command action, oraction) from the command menu bar 216. The commands may be grouped intocategories, for example, Motion, Looks, Sounds, Logic, Special,Triggers, and so on.

In some embodiments, the Motion category may include commands such asGo, Turn, Servo, and so on. In some embodiments, when the user selects(e.g., places a cursor over, or touches) a category, a command selectionwindow may be displayed. Referring to FIG. 26, exemplary embodiments ofsome command categories are illustrated. For example, commands under theLooks category may include command operating Light 1, Light 2, and LEDDisplay. Commands under the Sounds category may include Bark, Meow,Laser, Sound 1, and Record. Commands under the category Special mayinclude Photo, Push Notification, Infrared (IR) Blast, Temperature,Voice, and Laser. Commands under the category Triggers may includeButton, Obstacle, Temperature, IR, Noise, Motion, Light, and Position.These commands are illustrated as examples. Other commands for receivingand sending data from or operating the various cubes of the modularconstruction kit 100 are also contemplated.

FIGS. 27(A-C) illustrate exemplary operations of selecting a command,for example, Go (shown as an up arrow), for the first logical step (orbubble) or the program being created. In some embodiments, when a bubbleis filled, a new empty bubble may be created, for example, growing outof the filled bubble. An empty bubble may also be created by selecting(e.g., tapping) a small empty bubble 220, as illustrated in FIGS.28(A-B).

As illustrated in FIGS. 28(A-B), more than one action commands (e.g.,Move Forward, Turn Left, Blink Light, Take Photo, Play Sound) may beadded to one bubble. The modular construction kit 100 will function itsbest to execute these actions within one logical step. In someembodiments, these steps may be executed substantially simultaneously.As illustrated in FIGS. 28(C-D), the commands are displayed in a bubblewith a floating effect. When a new command is added into a bubble, theexisting commands are moved around (float) to create space for the newcommand. As illustrated in FIGS. 28(E-G), when a new command 222 isselected and dropped outside of a bubble, it is moved inside the bubbleand placed next to a nearest command. In some embodiments, a menu 224for the new command 222 may be automatically displayed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29(A-D), actions may have degree of values,intensity or measurements. For example, rotation may be specified indegrees, move may be specified in centimeters, light may be specified inbrightness, blink may be specified in number per second, and the like.The degree of values may be a random value. For example, the user mayindicate a random value by using a touch-and-spread motion input of twofingers to indicate a random value within a range. The size of the roundcommand icon may vary with the degree of values of the action.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30(A-B), a user may tap on a displayed command226, a menu 228 may be opened, showing the stored value for the command226. The user may then change the value for the command 226. FIG. 30Cillustrates exemplary menus for the Sound category. In some embodiments,the user may also record a new sound.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30(A-B), a new chain of bubble 234 may becreated by selecting and dropping a command 230 outside of an existingchain 236. Chains of bubble may also be created and moved (dragged)around the program, as illustrated in FIGS. 31(A-B).

As illustrated in FIGS. 32(A-B), an action or entire bubble may bedeleted my selecting and moving it to the Trash Bin icon 240.

As illustrated in FIGS. 33(A-B), the modular construction kit 100 moveson to execute the next bubble 252 when all commands in a bubble 250 arecompleted and, for example, there is no special condition as describedherein.

FIGS. 34(A-D) illustrate an exemplary creation of a loop bubble(operation) 260, by drawing a circle around selected bubbles. The numberof times 262 to execute the loop 260 may be entered (e.g., x6 asillustrated).

FIGS. 35(A-D) illustrate an exemplary creation of an “if” chain(operation) 266, by selecting and dropping a command or action (e.g.,Clap) at the edge of a bubble 265. The “else” chain 268 (of theif-then-else logic) may then be the other bubble chain from the bubble265. In some embodiments, while the modular construction kit 100executes the action commands, it monitors the condition(s) of the “if”command. If the condition is met, for example, a clap sound is receivedor an obstacle is sensed, it stops executing all actions and moves tothe bubble attached to the “if”.

In some exemplary operations, when a user selects or presses the Start(Play) bubble 270, the program may be sent from the wireless device tothe modular construction kit 100. The modular construction kit 100 maythen execute the program step by step until the chain of bubbles ends,or when the user presses the Stop bubble 272, as illustrated in FIG. 36.

FIG. 37 illustrates exemplary embodiments of error handling. Forexample, some bubbles may contain contradictory actions, such as MoveForward 110cm and Move Backward 95cm, so that execution of the actionsmay not be possible. In these embodiments, the modular construction kit100 may display an error message, for example, “Oops, can't go forwardand backward at the same time.”). The modular construction kit 100 mayuse best effort to execute the action commands. In the example, themodular construction kit 100 may move forward 15 cm, and displays themessage “110 cm−95 cm=15 cm.” The modular construction kit 100 may notrequire additional action from the user and educates the user about howthe modular construction kit 100 interprets the commands.

FIG. 38 illustrates exemplary embodiments of duplicated actionshandling. For example, some bubbles may contain duplicated actions, suchas Rotate Right 90° and Rotate Right 15°. The modular construction kit100 may use best effort to execute the action commands. In the example,the modular construction kit 100 may rotate right 105° , and displaysthe message “Rotate right 90°+Rotate right 15°=rotate right 105°.”

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Wait command 280, asillustrated with a glass timer icon. When executing a bubble with a Waitcommand 280, the modular construction kit 100 may execute all othercommands in the bubble, then waits for the amount of time specified inthe Wait command 280. When the Wait timer expires, the modularconstruction kit 100 may move on to the next bubble. However, when thebubble also includes an “if” condition, as illustrated with condition282, the modular construction kit 100 may execute the “if” chain whenthe condition is met, although the Wait timer has not expired.

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an Infinite action, asillustrated with an infinity icon 286. An Infinite action may beexecuted indefinitely. For example, rotate indefinitely, move forwardindefinitely, and so on. However, when the bubble also includes an “if”condition, as illustrated with condition 288, the modular constructionkit 100 may execute the “if” chain when the condition is met,interrupting the infinite action.

FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary program using the programming UI 200 ofthe modular construction kit 100. As described herein, a program may beuploaded to a construction of the modular construction kit 100 and maycause the modular construction kit 100 to operate autonomously.

FIGS. 42-55 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a user-definablecontrol UI 300 of the modular construction kit 100. As described herein,the control UI may be provided at a wireless device, for example, atablet, a laptop, a smart phone, or any wireless device havingcommunication capability (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or RF). The control UImay provide interfaces for a user to control a construction of themodular construction kit 100, for example, a robot. The control UI mayprovide a grid 310 where windows or boxes 312 may be created, forexample, by a user to represent the actions of the modular constructionkit 100. In some embodiments, the windows 312 may have predetermineddimensions. In some embodiments, the user may define the dimensions.

FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary control UI of FIG. 42 with the windows312 filled with action controls, which will be described in more detailherein. In some embodiments, the windows 312 may be rearranged, added ordeleted. FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary control UI with some windowsfrom FIG. 43 rearranged and some deleted.

FIG. 45 illustrates an exemplary side menu 320 provided by the modularconstruction kit 100. The menu 320 may provide action commands that theuser may select to fill into the windows 312. The actions illustratedinclude Motor 1 for representing a first motor action, Motor 2 forcontrolling a second motor cube, Servo 1 for controlling a firstservomotor cube, Play Sound for playing a sound at a cube with soundfunction, and so on.

FIGS. 46-48 illustrate exemplary control features and indications ofactivity or received status for some example actions. For example, FIG.46 illustrates exemplary control of, or status from some Motion categorycubes. The cubes may be put in a Static or Active state. Or the modularconstruction kit 100 may report the status of the cubes as in Static orActive state. Similarly, FIG. 47 illustrates exemplary control of, orstatus from some Sound category cubes, and FIG. 48 illustrates exemplarycontrol of, or status from some Special category cubes.

FIG. 49 illustrates exemplary control of, or status from some Visualscategory cubes. For example, an LED cube may be turned ON or OFF, orchange colors from a control window in the control UI. In anotherexample, an LED screen cube may be set up from a control window in thecontrol UI by tapping on the displayed circles to turn eachcorresponding LED of the LED screen ON or OFF.

FIG. 50 illustrates exemplary control of, or status from some Displaycategory cubes. For example, a Motion sensor cube may be turned ON orOFF, or may report whether a motion has been sensed by displayingdifferent statuses, a meteorology cube may report the read temperature,a light sensor cube may report the amount or intensity of light sensed,a sound cube may report the level of sound detected, and so on.

Some cubes of the modular construction kit 100 may provide selectableoutputs. For example, a sound cube may output different selectablesounds. As illustrated in the exemplary UI in FIG. 51, the control UImay provide a menu 350 for selecting a sound (e.g., Sound 1, Sound 2,Sound 3, Sound 4) to play. The menu 350 may also provide a Record button352 when the cube has a microphone to record sound.

FIG. 52 illustrates exemplary control menus for Special category cubes.For example, a control menu may be provided to control an IR cube toreceive IR signal from an external source.

Other control UI menus for other categories are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may provideexternal control from an external device, e.g., a laptop or tablet, withgesture control sensors, such as those provided by Microsoft Kinect orLeap Motion, to have the user's movements control the motions ormovements of a construction.

In some embodiments, the modular construction kit 100 may includevirtual reality (VR) capability. In some exemplary operations, themodular construction kit 100 may stream images captured by a camera to aVR device, such as a headset. Movement of the VR device, for example, auser's head movement with a VR headset, may change the camera positions,so that the user may observe the area around the camera.

These and other embodiments of the modular construction kit 100 may becombined. For example, the VR capability may be combined with gesturecontrol and other features of the modular construction kit 100 toprovide the user with a fully immerse experience.

The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over theprior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of atleast one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to theachievement of the above described objectives. The words used in thisspecification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understoodnot only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to includeby special definition in this specification: structure, material or actsbeyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an elementcan be understood in the context of this specification as including morethan one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic toall possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word orwords describing the element.

The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein aremeant to include not only the combination of elements which areliterally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts forperforming substantially the same function in substantially the same wayto obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is thereforecontemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements maybe made for any one of the elements described and its variousembodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or moreelements in a claim.

Changes from the described subject matter as viewed by a person withordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expresslycontemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and itsvarious embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later knownto one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scopeof the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understoodto include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what isconceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and alsowhat incorporates the essential ideas.

The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunctionwith the appended claims, if any, and it is made clear, here, that eachnamed inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what isintended to be patented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular construction block comprising: at leastone interface face, wherein the interface face comprising: a recess; aplurality of connection apertures disposed proximate to the edge of therecess; and a circular interface receptacle disposed in the center ofthe recess.
 2. The modular construction block of claim 1, wherein thecircular interface receptacle includes a plurality of disjoint circularconcentric connection interfaces.
 3. The modular construction kit ofclaim 2, wherein the disjoint circular concentric connection interfacesinclude at least interfaces for communication data, communication clock,power supply, power supply ground, and positioning and orientationdetection.
 4. The modular construction block of claim 3, wherein thepositioning and orientation detection circular connection interfaceincludes four segments.
 5. The modular construction block of claim 4,wherein the positioning and orientation detection circular connectioninterface detects a rotation of another modular construction blockconnected to the modular construction block.
 6. The modular constructionblock of claim 3, wherein the positioning and orientation detectioncircular connection interface detects a type of another modularconstruction block connected to the modular construction block.
 7. Themodular construction block of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofconnection apertures are sized to receive connection studs of a modularconstruction connector.
 8. The modular construction block of claim 1,wherein the circular interface receptacle is inwardly concave.
 9. Themodular construction block of claim 1, wherein the modular constructionblock is a square cube.
 10. The modular construction block of claim 1,wherein the modular construction block includes eight connectionapertures.
 11. The modular construction block of claim 10, wherein twoof each of the eight connection apertures are disposed on each side ofthe interface face.
 12. The modular construction block of claim 1further includes a printed circuit board disposed inside the modularconstruction block.
 13. The modular construction block of claim 1further includes a predetermined function.
 14. A modular constructionconnector comprising: two opposite sides, wherein each side comprising:a body; a plurality of connection studs extending outwardly from thebody; and a protrusion extending outwardly from the body.
 15. Themodular construction connector of claim 14, wherein the protrusionincludes a plurality of spring-loaded interface pins.
 16. The modularconstruction connector of claim 14, wherein the plurality of connectionstuds are sized to fit into connection apertures of a modularconstruction block.
 17. The modular construction connector of claim 14further includes a printed circuit board disposed in-between theopposite bodies.
 18. A modular construction kit comprising: at least onemodular construction block, the modular construction block comprising atleast one interface face, wherein the interface face including a recess,a plurality of connection apertures disposed proximate to the edge ofthe recess, and a circular interface receptacle disposed in the centerof the recess; at least one modular construction connector, the modularconstruction connector including two opposite sides, wherein each sidecomprising a body, a plurality of connection studs extending outwardlyfrom the body and sized to fit into the connection apertures, and aprotrusion extending outwardly from the body; at least one modularconstruction block having a predetermined function; and a modular systemblock comprising at least a processor, storage, and wirelesscommunication.
 19. The modular construction kit of claim 18 furthercomprises a programming user interface.
 20. The modular construction kitof claim 18 further comprises a control user interface.